Abstract

Fuel storage tanks, hidden underground at sites such as gasoline stations and airports throughout the world, are leaving an unexpected legacy: the soil beneath the tank is often heavily contaminated with toxic hydrocarbons that may have been leaking for decades.[1] Studies have shown that certain components of fuels are carcinogenic, and while natural bacteria will slowly degrade most hydrocarbons, the carcinogenic compounds can remain in the ground long after the source has been removed.

© 1996 Optical Society of America